Strolling Through Malé, the World's Smallest Capital

😎Travel Insights: Malé, the world's smallest and most densely populated capital, is just 1.95 square kilometers but home to 250,000 people😮. Unlike the popular resort islands, I have a special fondness for a city walk in Malé😜. After exchanging currency for Maldivian Rufiyaa, I walked past the Friday Mosque, fed the pigeons, visited the fish market, and even ducked into a coffee shop amidst the bustling motorcycle traffic😏. For me, this is the real Maldives.

🎯Travel Tips:
🎯Transportation: For a half-day trip to Malé, you'll typically travel from your resort island via seaplane or speedboat to Velana International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island😏. Since my flight departed late, I stored my luggage at the airport (very expensive, $21/day for two 28-inch suitcases)😒, then walked to the nearby pier and took the public ferry (Route P2-3) to Malé. The trip takes just over 10 minutes and costs MVR 15 ($1)😃.
🎯Route: After arriving at the Malé ferry terminal, walk straight along the main street by the sea wall to the right. You'll pass by Republic Square (the pigeon square under the Maldivian flag) → Fish Market (the pier with manta rays is at the market entrance) → Friday Mosque → President's Office → shopping area → Seagull Restaurant → Hive Cafe → Seahouse for dinner → then take the ferry back to Velana International Airport😎.
🎯Food: Seagull, an Italian restaurant, offers coffee, light meals, and famous ice cream in a beautiful setting. Lunch is around $15 per person. Address: Cnr Chandhanee Magu & Fareedhee Magu😋. Hive Cafe is a roadside cafe located at Novia, Fareedhee Magu, near Seagull😃. Seahouse, a scenic restaurant at the ferry terminal, offers seafood platters. The 2nd-floor terrace overlooks the airport. Dinner is around $20 per person😜.
🎯Expenses: US dollars and Maldivian Rufiyaa are widely accepted in Malé. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 15 MVR, and approximately 1 CNY to 2 MVR. Overall, it's not cheap, but compared to the expensive resort islands, it's a bargain😏. Expenses: Luggage storage $21, ferry $6, exchanged $50 to MVR (at the airport exchange), dinner $40, and other expenses, totaling over CNY 900😒. PS: High-end restaurants in Malé expect tips. $1 bills are not accepted (it's customary to tip bellhops $1 at resorts); tips should be $5 or more😒.

Post by MidnightRaven. | Feb 25, 2025